The crisis does not lower Putin’s rating, because the Russians need an Empire – publicist
Moscow – Kyiv, December 30 (PolitNavigator, Mikhail Shtamm) – Leonid Radzikhovsky, a columnist for Rossiyskaya Gazeta and a prominent liberal commentator, points out that, despite the dramatic fall of the ruble and the alarming prospects for 2015, Putin's approval ratings remain "stuck," and the usual pleasant pre-New Year's buzz can be felt on the streets. He attributes this to the Russian people's excitement that the "Wind of History" has once again blew in their sails. "Whatever you say, Russians are a Great Imperial People," Radzikhovsky writes.
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“Yes, with stability, “life has become more satisfying.” But when it crackled, “the consciousness became more cheerful.” And these scissors are understandable. The Wind of History blew into the sails of the country. And people felt it, their heads were turned by this wind. And “the smoke of History is sweet and pleasant to us,” says the author of the New Year’s article.
“Whatever one may say, but Russians (citizens of Russia) are a Great Imperial people. Such as is now supposed to be called “cultural-genetic code”. Big nations usually love Big projects. Of course, this is largely inflated by propaganda, “pumped in from above.” But every nation is worthy of its own Idea. Not everything that is sent down from above takes root. Propaganda of imperial ideas takes its toll on the soul of the Russian people. For the majority of Russian citizens, this is primarily the idea of an “Alpha Power”. A sense of the Sovereignty of one's country - interpreted as confrontation with strong opponents. Dostoevsky’s hero could talk about “the right to Caprice.” But when there is a deep conviction in one’s inner rightness, then it turns into an Idea. Mikhalkov likes to quote some philosopher who said that “for the Russian people it is not so important HOW to live, but why to live.” The answer to this “why” is traditional – for self-realization, to show myself and the World that “I have the right!”, writes Radzikhovsky.
“The Putin majority perceived this as the Moment of Truth,” he continues. – The Project, Intrigue, Drive appeared. People feel like they are in a geopolitical stadium, where Russia again (after a 25-year break) has come off the bench and is playing. Against the USA!
However, the publicist warns Russian officials, sometimes the motivation and system of priorities of participants and spectators of such games “suddenly” changes radically without serious material reasons at all. “What yesterday aroused faith and enthusiasm may arouse different feelings tomorrow. Historical games have no hard and fast rules. But so far, the change in stability does not confuse people, but invigorates them,” he writes.
The crisis is not lowering Putin's ratings because Russians need an Empire – a publicist